Thread: Dud Mitutoyo Digital Micrometer

Hi Brendan,

Intermiitent faults.... always good fun..

It's probably repairable, but first off, I'd check the obvious things, the most likely cause of the intermittent turning off and freezing is poor battery contacts.

Get some microscrub and carefully clean the battery contacts.
RPG - SXMM3035 - FILES & CLEANERS

The other thing to look for is loose connections and maybe hairline cracks in the PCB.

If the battery contacts look good and there are no loose connections, try carefully flexing the board and see if you can spot any cracks.

The fact that the meter works properly even though it's intermittent, usually means its a mechanical problem..

Regards
Ray

From Long Island Indicator:

Mitutoyo digital micrometers have digital boards that can easily be replaced when they malfunction. Unfortunately, the boards aren't always in stock. These are probably our favorites for ease of use, reliability and repair. Models change very frequently which will make yours obsolete in a blink of an eye.

Thanks Ray,

Are those scrubs likely to be held at Jaycar or Dick Smiths?

Thanks Bryan,

If the scrub doesnt work i'll see if I can track down a new board.

Brendan

Hi Brendan,

Don't know if Jaycar have microscrub, they might have an equivalent, I see they have this stuff
DeoxIT Contact Cleaner & Rejuvenator - Solution Kit - Jaycar Electronics

Looks ok, but I've never used it, one thing that you should NOT do, is scrape away at the contacts, especially if they are gold plated, you will scrape off the gold and expose the metal underneath, which will corrode over time. The gold coating has low contact resistance and doesn't corrode. So be carefull with abrasives.

Regards
Ray

Given enough time I could probably locate one at work that was dropped that could have a good board inside. They are a little tricky to disassemble so you should see if you can locate a parts drawing of it. I know we have a manual for them at work. I might be able to look it up in if I had the model number.

Pete

Thanks QC inspector. I will round up the model number and get back to you.

I noticed last night that it is freezing up when you give it a slight bump...im talking a tiny tap with the tip of my finger.

Brendan

Brendan

How tight are you doing that round cover over the battery? I bought one of Ebay last year. Mint condition, but it was bit flaky. Like you are talking about. I changed the battery, and it still did it.

I found I wasn’t doing that cover up tight enough, I was just screwing it down with my thump pressure. Mine has a cross in it, a 5 or 10 cent coin fits it nicely.

I found as soon as I tweaked it down just firm, it all came good. I think there some sort of seal in the battery cover, as they are somewhat waterproof, or IP rated.

I’d also give the contacts as Ray suggested. If you’re in a pinch, a white pencil eraser, makes a poor man’s contact cleaner. Just give them a few light rubs. It takes the oxide off.

Regards Phil.